Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the relationship between King David and his military commander Joab is complex and marked by instances of loyalty, tension, and retaliation. Joab, the son of Zeruiah, David's sister, was a formidable warrior and a key figure in David's military campaigns. However, his actions often put him at odds with David's principles and decisions, leading to moments of conflict and retaliation.One of the most significant instances of tension between David and Joab occurs in the context of Joab's killing of Abner. Abner, the commander of Saul's army, had defected to David's side, seeking to unite the kingdom under David's rule. Joab, however, harbored a personal vendetta against Abner for killing his brother Asahel in battle. Despite David's peace agreement with Abner, Joab deceitfully lured Abner back to Hebron and killed him. David publicly distanced himself from Joab's actions, declaring, "I and my kingdom are forever guiltless before the LORD concerning the blood of Abner son of Ner" (2 Samuel 3:28). David's response highlights his desire to maintain justice and righteousness, contrasting with Joab's personal retaliation. Another notable incident involves Joab's killing of Amasa. After Absalom's rebellion, David appointed Amasa as commander of the army in place of Joab. Joab, feeling slighted and threatened by this decision, took matters into his own hands. Under the guise of a friendly greeting, Joab killed Amasa, thus securing his position as commander once again. David, aware of Joab's ruthless nature, refrained from immediate retaliation but kept the incident in mind. David's ultimate act of retaliation against Joab came at the end of his life. In his final instructions to Solomon, David advised his son to deal with Joab according to his wisdom, stating, "Do not let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace" (1 Kings 2:6). David's directive to Solomon was a culmination of Joab's unchecked violence and disobedience, reflecting David's long-standing awareness of Joab's actions and the need for justice. Throughout these events, David's interactions with Joab illustrate the tension between personal loyalty and the pursuit of justice. While Joab was a loyal servant in many respects, his repeated acts of violence and insubordination ultimately led David to seek retribution through Solomon. This narrative underscores the biblical principle that unchecked retaliation and personal vendettas can lead to divine justice and accountability. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 2:5,6Moreover you know also what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, and what he did to the two captains of the hosts of Israel, to Abner the son of Ner, and to Amasa the son of Jether, whom he slew, and shed the blood of war in peace, and put the blood of war on his girdle that was about his loins, and in his shoes that were on his feet. Nave's Topical Index Library The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Of Civil Government. Resources Did Moses copy the Law from the Code of Hammurabi? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Mephibosheth? | GotQuestions.org Summary of the Book of 2 Samuel - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org Retaliation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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